Choir of which judge is key member does music for Hollywood blockbuster … without him
Supreme Court judge and keen vocalist Lord Carnwath has missed the opportunity to be part of new Matt Damon sci-fi blockbuster — because he was on holiday.
Carnwath is a keen member of the Bach Choir, which does the backing track to the latest sci-fi hit The Martian.
But the former Landmark Chambers barrister will be kicking himself after the recording took place while he was enjoying his summer break.
The Bach Choir, consisting of around 200 members, including the top judge, has provided the vocal backdrop to a number of films, including Kingdom of Heaven, Prometheus, Robin Hood, The Chronicles of Narnia, Shrek the Third, and Jack the Giant Slayer.
Legal Cheek understands that due to Carnwath’s hectic schedule he has been unable to lend his vocal talent to most of these movies. But the Supreme Court did confirm that its star vocalist took part in the recording of 2005 historical hit Kingdom of Heaven.
Singing is a big part of Carnwath’s life. Indeed, it has been reported that Carnwath — who joined the judiciary in 1994 after a successful career at the bar — chose the Chancery Division when being appointed to the High Court to avoid sitting outside London and therefore missing rehearsals.
The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott, hit movie screens late last month, and features vocals from the famous choir alongside an orchestral accompaniment. The film is based on a screenplay by Drew Goddard and was adapted from Andy Weir’s 2011 novel of the same name.
With music composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (video below), the recording took place at the iconic Abbey Road studio back in August while the courts were on their annual month-long break.
Carnwath — who is also a renowned viola player — became a member of the Supreme Court back in 2012, following Lord Brown’s retirement.